Job hunters have flooded British Gas with applications for posts due to be created at the company's Barrow terminals.

British Gas Hydrocarbon Resources Ltd has received nearly 350 applications for up to 25 posts it plans to create over the next two years.

With successful planning approval, British Gas will operate the new Rivers gas terminal and offshore production facilities for Burlington Resources.

The first gas is due to arrive on-shore at Barrow in early 2004.

The company already employs around 100 staff in Barrow and says the Rivers development, coupled with its existing operations, will generate a further 25 jobs, including skilled electrical and mechanical engineers, instrumentation technicians and production trades.

Around 200 temporary jobs will be created during the construction phase, which will also bring spin-off contracts for local firms.

The 350 applications, mostly speculative CVs, have come before the posts have even been advertised.

John Woodings, British Gas terminal manager, said: "I am really delighted at the huge response from people in the local community who are clearly keen to capitalise on the investment benefits that the Rivers project will bring."